3244. An interesting Second World War and Korean War Pilot's Group of 8 to
Captain Maxwell, South African Air Force
3244. An interesting Second World War and Korean War Pilot's Group of 8 to
Captain Maxwell, South African Air Force
South African Korea 1950-53 medal "Lt. P. Maxwell" officially impressed;
1939/45 Star; Italy Star; War medal; Africa Service medal these four all
officially impressed "206941 P. Maxwell"; U.S.A. Air Medal "Pieter Maxwell";
United Nations Korea medal "Lt. P. Maxwell" officially impressed; South
Korean Korea medal unnamed as issued.
U.S.A. Air medal -by direction of the President of the United States unders
provisions of AFR 30-14 and Section VII, General Orders Number 63,
Department of the Air Force, 19 September 1950:
Lieutenant Pieter Maxwell, South Africa Air Force. While participating in
aerial flights against forces of the enemy in the Korean Campaign,
Lieutenant Pieter Maxwell distinguished himself by meritorious achievement.
By successfully completing numerous combat mission in F-51 type aircraft
from 20 July 1952 to 2 September 1952, he greatly aided the effort of the
United Nations Forces and seriously damaged the military potential of the
enemy. Lieutenant Maxwell, flying at dangerouslylow altitudes in adverse
weather over enemy-held territory, rocketed, strafed, and bombed enemy
supplies, troops, equipment and transportation facilities. By his agressive
leadership and courage and by his superior judgement and flying skill,
Lieutenant Maxwell has brought great credit upon himself and the United
States Air Force. His actions are in keeping with the high traditions of the
South Africa Air Force.
Peter Maxwell was born in Pretoria, South Africa, on 16 March 1923. He was
educated at Pretoria Boys High School and the Pretoria Technical College,
metriculating in November 1940. He joined the S.A.A.F. in July 1941 and
began training as a pupil pilot. He left for the Middle East in June 1943,
was promoted T/Lieut. and W/S/Lieut. in November 1943, and saw service in
Italy with Nos. 7 and 41 Squadrons.
Lieutenant Peter Maxwell volunteered for service the S.A.A.F. during the
Korean War, leaving South Africa on 19 June, 1952. joining up with No. 2
(Cheetah) Squadron in Korea, he flew many combat missions, often providing
cover to the U.S.A.F. 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. The following incident is
recorded in South Africans Flying Cheetahs in Korea, by Moore and Bagshaw:
The Cheetahs also took a hand in the large-scale outpost battles during
October and November. The battle for "White Horse Hill" and "Arrowhead"
raged between 6 and 15 October and cost the communists 10,000 men... 61
night bombing missions were flown by 2 Squadron (S.A.A.F.).. it was during
one of these missions that Peter Maxwell made a forced landing behing the
U.N. front lines. He took of in the afternoon of 14 October with three
U.S.A.F. pilots from 67 Squadron to support the defenders of "White Horse
Hill". On reaching the target he found that his radio was unserviceable. The
leader indicated that he should circle to thesouth and stand by. Peter
watched the rest of the flight make three passes at a concentration of enemy
troops and then decided to follow hisAmerican Comrades into the next attack.
He wanted to join in the action. It was only when committed to dive that he
noticed the gun sight and all other instruments were not working and then
the engine cut out. He pulled out of the dive and, after an unsuccessful
attempt to restart the engine, he lined up for a landing on a short
emergency trip just behind the U.N. front lines. He overshot the strip and
the aircraft was damaged beyond repair, but he himself was unhurt.
After the Korean War, Maxwell decided to remain in the S.A.A.F. (Permanent
Force) and received various postings, including the Central Flying School at
Dunottar. He was killed in a flying accident in a Harvard at the flying
school at Potchefstroom, while attempting a low altitude roll, on 19 June
1965. Sold with comprehensive research and an original photograph of
Maxwell receiving his Air Medal on 9 December 1952.
Price: Good very fine
$5950.00 Canadian
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